Dr. Rodney H. Stauffer

Rodney H. Stauffer, 98 years old, passed on to his eternal heavenly home on May 18, 2024, at Garden Spot Village. Born in New Salem, York County, on September 19, 1925, he was the son of the late Florence Pauline Hoke Stauffer and Delphus William Stauffer. He was the devoted husband to his cherished late wife, Dorothy Esbenshade Stauffer.

Rodney graduated from Codorus Township High School in 1943. He enlisted in the Navy in July 1943, where he served our country in the Medical Corps, then Dental Corps. Following honorable discharge at the end of WWII, Rodney attended Gettysburg College, followed by the University of Pennsylvania Dental School in Philadelphia, graduating in 1953. He began his dental career in Lancaster, then in New Holland. It was at that time that he met his sweetheart Dottie, whom he would marry in August 1957.

Church and faith were very important to Rod. He and Dottie were longtime members of St. Stephen Church in New Holland, where Rod served as Consistory member and president, Superintendent of Christian Education, Sunday School Teacher (along with Dottie) in the Special Needs Class, Mission Outreach volunteer, Visitation volunteer to homebound and hospitalized church members, and server (along with Dottie) at the church’s annual Thanksgiving Day meal.

Rod was a dedicated volunteer with the Hospice Care Team of Lancaster County for eleven years, serving more than 1,000 hours in that capacity. Rod was a longtime member of the New Holland Kiwanis Club, and served in many roles within that organization. Rod served on the New Holland Planning Commission for 16 years. He served in several capacities with the Lancaster County Dental Society, including President. Rod and Dottie were also dedicated volunteers with Lancaster County Special Olympics. Upon moving to Garden Spot Village, Rod was a Caring Connections volunteer there. He was also a regular donor to the Blood Bank at Lancaster General Hospital. In 1997, WGAL-8 and The American Institute for Public Service recognized Rod with the Jefferson Award for his outstanding public service.

Rod enjoyed woodworking, and made many gifts for family, friends, and those whom he visited through his church and Hospice. But most important to Rod was time spent with his family. He treasured holiday get-togethers and family vacations in the Poconos and Eagles Mere.

Surviving are three daughters, Anita, married to Michael Dickert (Millersville); Carla, married to Michael Buterbaugh (Shillington); and Donna Stauffer (Lancaster). There are five grandchildren, Brian Buterbaugh, married to Julie; Sarah Dickert; Phil Dickert; Bethany Schaffner, married to Toby; and Brandon Buterbaugh. There are three great-grandchildren, Evan, Liam, and Landon; and many nieces and nephews. Rodney was also “Dad” to two exchange students: Irma, from Peru; and Lek, from Thailand. Also surviving is his sister-in-law, Darlene Stauffer.

In addition to his beloved wife, preceding him in death were his six siblings: Carson, Lucille Fishel, Junior, Dwight, Janet Krebs, and Marlyn.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, June 8, at 11 AM, in the Garden Spot Village Chapel, 433 S. Kinzer Avenue, New Holland, PA. Family Visitation will be held prior to the service at 10 – 11 AM, in the Chapel. Interment will be private, at the family’s convenience.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Rodney’s memory may be made to Garden Spot Village Benevolent Fund, 433 S. Kinzer Avenue, New Holland, PA, 17557; or Hospice and Community Care, 685 Good Drive, Lancaster, PA, 17604-4125. To send an online condolence to the family, visit www.GroffEckenroth.com. Arrangements by the Groff High Funeral Home, New Holland, PA